Every football fan around the world has grown up screaming the name of their hero - and Troy Deeney is no different.

The Watford skipper was speaking to the club's official website when he revealed that his idol was none other that Crystal Palace and Arsenal legend Ian Wright.

The striker was a popular figure around the country due to his huge personality and great goal-scoring record, and Deeney said he was the ideal person to inspire a lad from his walk of life.

Troy Deeney gestures to the fans after scoring the first goal in Watford's 4-1 win over Chelsea (Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Speaking to WatfordFC.com, he said: "I never really had a footballing hero when I was younger – I didn’t sit around too much and watch football – but the older you get, you start hearing certain names.

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“He was a hell of a finisher and I’m fortunate that I can call him a friend now. I can pick up the phone and I know he’ll answer. We don’t necessarily talk about footballing tips, more life skills. I never had an older figure to talk to, but he’s obviously been in the industry and he knows what it’s all about.

“He speaks well and we’re similar in terms of personality. We’re both opinionated and we’re not too scared to say what we think.”

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